94200, Big Block, Steel

Early Tudor is increasingly being seen not as a value-based alternative, but a historically significant start to what is Rolex’s playground today. The start not of being the little sibling, but Skunk Works to Lockheed. Where significance is concerned, the Big Block has a lot going for it. This was the first time Tudor beat Rolex to the party. This first-generation ref. 94200 Big Block was the first-ever automatic chronograph from any Wilsdorf stable, a good decade ahead of Rolex. This was one of the very few moments in history where Tudor, and not Rolex, blazed the path forward.

The name Big Block comes from the Italians, who love a bit of motorsport. That analogy was made because the case is bit thicker than previous Home Plate or Daytona Oyster chronograph cases in order accommodate the Valjoux 7750 and rotor. Among Tudor Big Blocks, these more scarce first series (ref. 9400) are the most highly collected. By the time the second series (ref. 79100) was released, Tudor had confidently entered the era of mass production. There are exceptions, but this is the general rule. Yet, both are still today daily drivers to the vintage Daytona’s garage queen, 'unique asset class' valuations in our current market.

The first series Big Block came in three flavors: 94300 with a steel tachymetre bezel, 94210 with a 12-hour rotating bezel, and this 94200 with the desirable bakelite tachymetre. In this generation, the case, bracelet, and crown are all Rolex-signed. This changed shortly after in the 79100 series.  This example takes things a step further with a light patina, where its white subdial registers have begun to change to a champagne tone. It comes from a German estate sale new to market after its original owner, a true time capsule specimen with receipt from original Wempe sale in 1979.

This is one of the best Big Blocks we've ever seen. It comes from a German estate sale new to market after its original owner, a true time capsule specimen with receipt from original Wempe sale in 1979. The case has extremely proud bevels and light surface wear. Its bakelite bezel has no cracks. There is a very tiny hit on the bezel around the 125 mark. All tritium pips are present, often many have fallen off. The handset tritium matches those pips in a perfect cream tone. Its subdials are starting to turn champagne in tone. It comes on a tight 78360/598 Oyster bracelet.

This watch is modeled on a relatively large 7.7 inch wrist.